Charles Salmanson

SALMANSON, CHARLES, 93 DIES, CO-FOUNDER OF ADAMS DRUG COMPANY. Charles Salmanson of Providence, Rhode Island, co-founder of Adams Drug Co. and philanthropist, died on Monday, July 7th at the Miriam Hospital.

With his father and brothers, they opened their first store in Woonsocket, R.I. in 1933, selling health and beauty aids and assorted sundries. Expansion and acquisition over 51 years created one of the largest drug store chains in the country. The company was listed on the New York Stock exchange and expanded to 500 stores which were operated under the Brooks Pharmacy and Adams Drug name. The family sold the business in 1984 and continued to be active in commercial real estate.

Mr. Salmanson attended Classical High School and Bryant College. He was a philanthropist and along with the Salmanson Family, he has given generously to Brown University, Bryant College, The Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Joslin Diabetes Center, Trinity Repertory Theater, The Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, Temple Emanu-El, and numerous other charities.

Charles Salmanson was one of the original founding members of Crestwood Country Club in Rehoboth, MA. He was a past board member of Temple Emanu-El, The Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, and the former Jewish Home for the Aged.

Born in Providence, a son to the late Barnett and Elizabeth (Salk) Salmanson, he resided in Providence for his entire life, spending some time in Boca Raton, Florida. He was married to the late Hannah Salmanson for over 60 years. He leaves a son, Jerrold Salmanson and his wife Dale, of Providence, Rhode Island. He was the father of the late Deborah Salmanson Roberts.

He also leaves a brother, Donald Salmanson and a sister, Martha Corin, both of Providence, and two grandchildren, David Salmanson and Lauren Salmanson Levin, and her husband Jeffrey of New York City. Charles was the brother of the late Leonard Salmanson and Samuel Salmanson.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Avenue, Providence. In lieu of flowers, donations ca be made to Office of Development at The Miriam Hospital, or the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215. Shiva will be held at his home, 624 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, Wednesday 7-9, Thursday 2-4 and 7-9, and Friday 2-4. Arrangements by Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel.